A Message from Albany Med President and CEO Jim Barba

Over my years here at Albany Med, I have marveled at the resilience of our institution and our staff in the face of change.

My appreciation of this quality has only increased over the past few months as we have worked to implement significant changes here.

I know that the opening of our new Patient Pavilion required every area of our operations to pitch in, adapt, and adjust. I know this has been challenging at times.But without exception, I have been impressed with the professionalism and expertise shown by staff in every area — those who are moving and those who are not — and for the way everyone is working to make this transition as smooth as possible for our patients and their families.

On behalf of the leadership of Albany Med and the larger community we serve, I want to express my deep and abiding gratitude for all you have done, and continue to do, to make our institution such an important anchor for this region.The work of our staff gives me great confidence about how this institution will meet changes yet to come.

In 2014, the Affordable Care Act, a highly complex initiative to reform health care in the United States, will take effect. Albany Med will feel the impact of this in a variety of ways that will require us all to continue to adapt.

We already are seeing the effects of reduced payments for the care we provide, and we know that this trend will accelerate next year. While the new law is expected to reduce the number of uninsured Americans, this too could have a potentially negative impact on our finances.

Because health care reform continues to evolve, the impact on Albany Med remains uncertain. However, we have spent years preparing for these changes by thoroughly reexamining and reevaluating our operations, as well as the way that we deliver our missions. We have taken, and will continue to take, steps needed to increase efficiency and improve care.

I am confident, based on my experience here, that Albany Med as an institution will face these changes with innovation, teamwork, commitment and creativity as we continue to provide the best care available in the region.

Thanks to all of our excellent employees. You are truly an inspiration.